Alfa Romeo Considering High-Performance Engines

Alfa Romeo is taking big steps to increase its sales volume to its 2018 goal of 400,000 units globally, up from just 74,000 last year. Up first are plans for new powertrains, namely a range-topping V-6 that’s capable of producing up to 480 horsepower.

The news comes from an inside source who confided with Automotive News Europe. The Italian brand is planning to reinvent itself, restoring its sporty heritage it was founded on some 104 years ago. Also joining the mix will be a second gasoline engine, a small diesel engine, and an updated version of the current 3.0-liter turbo-diesel.

The gas engine is said to be a 2.9-liter unit that’s a re-engineered version of the 3.0-liter engine Ferrari builds for the Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli. It will feature direct injection and twin-turbocharging.

The other gasoline engine will be a 2.0-liter and will feature direct injection, single turbocharging, and FCA’s MultiAir variable valve timing. It will be available in outputs ranging from 180 to 330 horsepower and can come equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission — all dependent upon the application.

The oil-burner will be a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit with a potential output ranging from 135 to 210 horsepower. The other diesel will be an updated version of the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel currently found in some Jeep and Maserati models. The new version is said to have a projected output between 275 and 340 horsepower.

So what will these engines be powering? Well ANE reports the V-6 turbo-diesel will find its way into large sedans and midsize SUVs. The remaining two gas units and the 2.2-liter diesel will be offered in Alfa’s upcoming midsize sedan that’s expected to hit showrooms in 2016.

Click past the jump to read more about Alfa Romeo’s future plans.

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Why it matters

All of this is part of a $7 billion investment aimed at quadrupling Alfa’s sales over the next four years. With a midsize sedan that fits between the BMW 3 and 5 Series headed for Europe and the U.S., Alfa has a decent chance of hitting its new sales target. A powerful lineup of gas engines and a fuel sipping lineup of diesels will surely bring buyers to the brand.

While Automotive News Europe says the upcoming midsize sedan will not be called the Giulia, we’ve seen reports saying Alfa will be bringing over the sedan. Renderings of the car have surfaced and been validated by a tipster who has seen the actual design sketches.

These sketches show a stunning sedan with a beautiful coke-bottle design, large hips, a low-slung roofline, and an aggressive Alfa Romeo front grille.